Chi-Wei and I met in 2008 through a mutual friend. On one of our first dates, we spent the whole day strolling around Morton Arboretum, taking goofy photos while talking endlessly. It has been an everlasting memory as we think back on our first impressions and budding relationship at the time. Two years later, on a beautiful October afternoon surrounded by our close friends and family, we were married and started a new journey together. I moved into his (our) townhome in Glen Ellyn. I remember thinking this is a charming town with a lot to offer.

 

With Glen Ellyn as our home and community, our family has grown over the years. Our oldest, Brayden, is a typical 8-year-old boy who enjoys drawing race cars and building with Legos.  He's often using his imagination as he constructs new buildings and structures. When he grows up, he wants to be an architect where he can bring his designs to reality, including his own home one day. Brayden also developed a passion for soccer through the camps at Glen Ellyn Park District and Synergy Soccer Club. His brother, Avery, is a busy 3-year-old who loves to eat and play in the sandbox. He is our free-spirited wild child, a go-getter, and always challenging boundaries. If we had to guess, he is going to be a foodie vlogger that travels around the world.

 

On a typical Saturday morning, a favorite way to kick off the day is with a cup of coffee and a Farmhouse breakfast at Blackberry Market. Then we head over to Maryknoll Splash Park, Holes and Knolls Miniature Golf Course, or the newly renovated Newton Park for a nice afternoon of fun in the sun. If we want a more natural scenery, we do bike rides at Saint James Farm and then enjoy a simple outdoor picnic lunch. In the past, Chi-Wei and I have enjoyed our date nights at Maize + Mash where they specialize in shareables, A Toda Madre for their seasonal tacos, and Common Good Cocktail House for their whimsical craft cocktails.

 

Chi-Wei keeps busy as an IT professional at a global consulting company, focusing on technology and applications. Outside of work and family, he is trying new workout routines, experimenting with cooking recipes, and planning our next excursion.  

 

I am the founder and brand identity designer at Bluetiful Design. I specialize in logo design and packaging for restaurants, and corporate branding for midsize companies. I have been working in the design industry for over 16 years with a portfolio of award-winning work published in Graphic Design USA. Art and design have always been a passion of mine at a young age and only continued to grow throughout high-school and college as a Graphic Design major. Strategy and design are rewarding because every project has its own unique problem and I get to solve it in the most creative way possible. A month prior to the pandemic, I started Bluetiful Design and it was the best decision for my career. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing clients, including Glen Ellyn Public Library, Eyes on Wheaton, Nuovo Chicago and Volition Tea.

 

Since living in Glen Ellyn for the past 12 years, Chi-Wei and I have come to greater appreciate the charms of the area. It offers a friendly and genuine sense of community which made it an easy decision when deciding where to raise our family. While there is no shortage of lovely towns in the greater Chicago area, we are glad to call Glen Ellyn home.  

 

Photos courtesy of Taylor Forrest Photography